Applications of Neutron Powder Diffraction

Erich H. Kisi and Christopher J. Howard

First book to collect the diverse elements of neutron powder diffraction

Highlights the diversity of problems that can be studied using the technique and gives concrete theoretical and practical guidance on their solution

Emphasizes both the crystallographic aspects AND the wider applications to which it is also well suited (quantitative phase analysis, microstructural analysis, residual stress analysis, and elastic constant determination)

Gives examples of the benefits of in situ experiments conducted in real time under simulated service or actual synthesis conditions

Explores new areas such as the use of peak broadening analysis to investigate gradients within materials in non-equilibrium conditions (e.g. functionally gradient materials)

Applications of Neutron Powder Diffraction

Erich H. Kisi and Christopher J. Howard

Description

This is the first book covering the theory, practicalities, and the extensive applications of neutron powder diffraction in materials science, physics, chemistry, mineralogy and engineering. Various highlight applications of neutron powder diffraction are outlined in the introduction, then the theory is developed and instrumentation described sufficient for a return to the applications. The book covers the use of neutron powder diffraction in the solution (hard) and refinement (more straightforward) of crystal and magnetic structures, applications of powder diffraction in quantitative phase analysis, extraction of microstructural information from powder diffraction patterns, and the applications of neutron diffraction in studies of elastic properties and for the
measurement of residual stress. Additional theory to underpin these various applications is developed as required. Much of the material should be accessible to senior undergraduates in science and engineering, as well as to graduate students and more senior researchers with an interest in the technique.

Applications of Neutron Powder Diffraction

Erich H. Kisi and Christopher J. Howard

Author Information

Professor Erich KisiSchool of EngineeringThe University of NewcastleAustralia

After graduating with a PhD in materials science in 1988, Prof Kisi held a National Research Fellowship in the neutron scattering group of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. He then held a Fellowship and Senior Fellowship at Griffith University followed by a tenured academic position at Newcastle. Almost all of his published work has involved neutron powder diffraction including crystal structure solution and refinement, microstructural studies, quantitative phase analysis and in situ studies of materials during actual synthesis or simulated service.

Professor Christopher HowardSchool of EngineeringThe University of
NewcastleAustralia

After completing a Master's degree exploring the Mössbauer Effect, and a Doctorate in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Prof. Howard was recruited to the Solid State Physics Section of the then Australian Atomic Energy Commission (now the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation). Over the course of the next thirty years, he was largely responsible for the development and application of high resolution neutron powder diffraction at the HIFAR reactor, and indeed he led the ANSTO Neutron Scattering effort over a period of about fifteen years. His focus in more recent years has been on the systematics of the crystallography of the mineral perovskite and related materials, an endeavour in which high resolution neutron powder diffraction has continued
to play a part. Prof. Howard took up his present appointment in Newcastle at the end of 2007.